Meningococcal Disease Fact Sheet

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The organism can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), sepsis (bloodstream infection), pneumonia (lung infection), or joint infections. Meningococcal disease can become severe very quickly and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, loss of limbs, or death.

Meningococcal disease is spread from person to person through close contact with infected respiratory secretions.

Meningococci are spread by direct, close contact with saliva, mucous, or droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person. The bacteria are not spread by breathing the air where someone with the disease has been. Many people carry the bacteria in their noses and throats, but they do not become ill; they are called “carriers." These carriers can spread the bacteria to other people.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually occur 2 to 10 days after exposure (most commonly 3 to 4 days), often begin suddenly, and may include:

High fever
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash with small bright red spots or larger purple bruising
Confusion
Sensitivity to light

Risk Factors

People at increased risk for meningococcal disease include:

Infants, adolescents, and young adults
People who live in close settings such as dormitories or military barracks
Persons without a spleen or with certain immune system conditions
Travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is more common, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa
Laboratory workers who routinely work with Neisseria meningitidis bacteria
Close contacts of someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease

Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics and supportive medical care. People who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease may also need preventive antibiotics. Close contacts can include: household members, persons with direct contact with saliva or respiratory secretions, some childcare or nursery school contacts, and some healthcare workers exposed during certain medical procedures. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms of meningococcal disease or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with the infection.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent meningococcal disease.

A single dose of meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all children ages 11 to 18 years. The vaccine is also recommended for certain high risk groups such as military recruits, travelers to high risk areas (such as the “meningitis belt" of sub-Saharan Africa), persons without a spleen, certain laboratory workers, and some others. In Maryland, vaccination of all college students who live on-campus in a dormitory is required.